Taycan 4S -> Taycan Turbo S

[JonS1234]

Really great rationale. Here’s my 2020 Taycan Turbo config. http://www.porsche-code.com/PNZEBR27

Basically everything you said but I opted for the Turbo optioned over the Turbo S as a balance of range and performance.

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[Lansford]

Glad to see your comments on the glass. I didn't spec it after some research

Innodrive -- this is one I wish I could have not specced. I should have done the FOD for ALK.

And glad to see you liked the Remote Park. Agree -- I got for the safety features more than anything

 

[TomC]

I always enjoy your write-ups, Damien. Glad to see you join us in the No Rationality Zone AKA the Turbo S.

I mentioned before that the steering wheel wasn't worth the carbon fibre, but I do think it looks amazing on the mirrors. I added £24k of options to my Turbo S and I don't regret any of them, but I wouldn't bother re-ordering the carbon fibre steering wheel when I upgrade to the MY2024 model.

http://www.porsche-code.com/PN7G25B4

 

[W1NGE]

After a year of Taycan 4S ownership I am in the early stages of a Turbo S purchase – which will be a MY23 car delivered in Jan 2023. I am unsure when my configuration will lock – but likely around August. I still prefer to have as accurate and acceptable order spec in place – so should it lock unexpectedly – I would always be happy. Therefore, I put a lot of thought into this configuration.

This time – I am trying to stick as closely to the – admittedly comprehensive – base spec of the model I am purchasing – rather than over tick options – which I had done in the past on my 4S. I do love my options but the Turbo S is expensive and so I am being disciplined with maximum spend and some perhaps previously "must-have" options are in the recycling bin this time out.

http://www.porsche-code.com/PN4ESV33

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Cosmetic changes from my existing Neptune Blue and Blackberry/Slate

Crayon exterior – with all Blackberry + Crayon deviated stitching interior. Influenced by https://www.taycanforum.com/forum/threads/chalk-taycan-club.2642/page-22#post-132958

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Options in my current car that I am not re-ordering

Burmester

After careful auditioning of an Apple lossless playlist that I am familiar with on the Bose system – I am comfortable to keep with the default system this time. The weaknesses of the Bose system compared to my Burmester are clearly heard to me:

• Bose sound comes more from your feet and the speakers in the doors – where as in Burmester its more up at ear level.
• The midrange on the Bose is much weaker – with a more pronounced base and treble.
• The Bose sounds a little more processed and coloured than the neutral Burmester.

However, when in the actual dynamic driving environment – be it a motorway or a twisty alpine road – the differences are less pronounced and detectable. If the Burmester was a €1500 option – it would be in consideration – but a moving car is not a pristine listening experience.

Night view assist

An option that I liked the idea of – but rarely actually used.

Acoustic glass

Having extensively tested the normal glass on Irish roads and motorways – the acoustic glass isn't offering a noticeable quieter experience. The security aspects of this glass isn't a major benefit in my country – thats what insurance is for!

Porsche Innodrive

Speccing ordinary Adaptive Cruise Control with a view to purchasing Feature-on-Demand (FoD) active lane keeping – an option that I value. In Ireland, every option attracts both Sales (VAT) and Registration (New Car) tax. If you purchase via FoD then you don't pay the registration tax so its cheaper this way.

Seat ventilation

I optioned this originally – out of range anxiety – I thought I might drive without air-con on to increase range and use the seat ventilation instead as a lower energy option. In reality – I have the air-con on "eco" mode all the time without no range concerns. Ireland/Northern Europe isn't warm enough to really value this option.

22kW on-board AC charger

OMG! Where do I start?

Defo not adding this to the build at this stage. I and my Porsche Centre do expect something proper is going to be done about the reliability issues of this charger – maybe for the MY23 timeframe.

So we're leaving this out and going to keep a "watching eye" on the situation. If a fix (be it software, hardware or new supplier or all three) is forthcoming – this option will be back up for consideration – most likely only after a call with Porsche Engineering. Its capabilities I value here in Ireland – but not its un-reliability.

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Options staying in this new car

Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport)

Should be default on a Turbo S – this is a very high performance car – that has rear-axel-steering (RAS) and Porsche torque vectoring plus (PTV+) as standard. It stays on this car due to its capabilities of keeping the car very flat in the corners on a nice alpine road drive.

Remote ParkAssist with Lane Change Assist

Most of this package is a bit gimmicky – can't see myself parking using my iPhone – but the "Rear Cross Traffic Alert" option is actually useful and has saved me on a few occasions. If I could option that on its own for less – I would. Lane Change Assist is an option that is also extremely helpful – especially when I am in Europe on "the wrong side of the road".

Adaptive Cruise Control

Use it so much on my road-trips – cannot imagine this car without the option.

Comfort Access

It's a fine option – would be happy without it – but its a mandatory option if you pick the parking package I have.

HomeLink®

Works solidly with my apartment complex parking garage gate – really value this option – though it doesn't work for a lot of people.

Ioniser

No clue really if it does anything meaningful – always have had it – and its cheap enough to keep it in the build. I suspect it's probably voodoo.

Ambient lighting

Should be standard on all Taycan's.

Heated GT sports steering wheel in leather

This got more use – not only in my arctic trip – but during winter in Ireland – than I would have expected. I considered the heated wheel with carbon fibre – just because of that interior theme in the Turbo S – but at €600 extra – its not worth it. Wish it was default in the Turbo S.

Passenger Display

Many are disappointed by its functionality – but my co-driver gets a lot of value from it – and is an active navigator during our long road-trips. This gets used.

150kW DC on-board booster

An important option as in Ireland there are a lot of 400V 150kW chargers rolled out by our public electrical network provider (ESB)– and with Tesla network opening up this is a must-have option – in Ireland.

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New options in this car

Performance

A frankly insane performance increase over the 4S – that's what this car is all about. However, when not pushed it feels like a "normal" Taycan and has no problem trundling along in traffic. Amazing.

"electric" side badge

Never like these but on the Turbo S they are in the same gloss black as the rear model designation and I think now looks better. If I disagree they are easily removed by my Porsche Centre dealer.

Exterior Mirrors painted in Exterior Colour

I do think it makes a subtle difference. An easy to drop option if I had to.

18-way Adaptive Sports Seats with memory package

I always worried that these would be uncomfortable but having had these on a loaner Porsche in France during a 5000km road-trip last summer – they really suited me and I am very happy they are default on the Turbo S.

Blackberry seat belts

A small interior touch – they are actually quite distinctive from the default black belts.

21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels

The cheapest most acceptable wheels for me on the Turbo S. I don't like the default mission-e wheels and don't like the various €1,200 wheel adjustments you can make on that wheel.

Carbon Ceramic brakes

Not required on a EV – I consider these a cosmetic item – that I really like. I missed these on my 4S – having had them on my Panamera Turbo S. The chosen wheels allow them to be more visible too.

I noticed that air suspension isn't listed on the standard spec - is that an error or a supply issue?

 

[tigerbalm]

I noticed that air suspension isn't listed on the standard spec - is that an error or a supply issue?

Great catch – hadn't noticed that. Unsure – would hope it is in error – but will ask the question. This does bring up a good point – especially at the moment – you really have to read the standard spec in detail.

Thanks for this @W1NGE.

 

[pEAkfrEAk]

Air suspension is always standard except for the base Taycan.

 

[W1NGE]

Air suspension is always standard except for the base Taycan.

Yes we know that but given the various supply issues - matrix lights, electric steering column, etc - the spec sheet now omits air so could be a typo or worse.

 

[pEAkfrEAk]

Think it's a typo. I case it's no typo I personally wouldn't take the car.

 

[WuffvonTrips]

I just checked the configurator- if you change model on that config for a Turbo, Air Suspension is listed as standard.

 

[f1eng]

Interesting.
I keep a car for a long time, if I like it, so I have not concerned myself with resale.
I stuck to a 4S partly because I don’t want car on ceramic or coated brakes

I have the deviated stitching in crayon on Blackberry specced at the moment but not completely sure about it. I really like it on our PHEV Prius but it is standard on that. It probably looks good enough for me to stump up for though. I also think the neodymium accents lifts the Blackberry interior quite a bit, unexpectedly.

Ditto the PDCC which I specced expecting a better ride rather than better handling. Once I had been driven around the old Nurburgring by Keke Rosberg all thoughts of being able to take a car to the limit myself faded somewhat…

I find the cross traffic warning on the Prius brilliant but when I found out how much it costs to get on the Taycan I was outraged - still not sure I can bring myself to be ripped off so comprehensively…

In the 4 years we have had the night vision assist on the Prius it has never flagged a warning so another Toyota freebie I ain’t paying Porsche a fortune for.

I only go on long road trips infrequently and appreciated the adaptive cruise on the Prius for the first time in 4 years on my 500 mile drive home from Aviemore on Thursday. I haven’t selected it on my 4S order (yet).
I was on my own and only had the radio on briefly on the whole journey so may drop the Bose, the 4S standard will probably be adequate for the use it will get.

I went for the massage seats so 14 way ventilated it is.

I hate carbon fibre as cosmetic trim. It is a structural material (The Prius PHEV tailgate inner structure is CF!

 

[Ross]

I'm not going to be able to un-think this now – after today's test drive – totally appropriate term!

Just reread your build analysis and chuckled again!
Crayon. Perfect.
But you need RS wheels all black.
Hence GTS advice!
Love the fact that you are ‘being disciplined’ but spend €3,270 on stitching!
Legend!

Ioniser always makes me laugh.
No one has ever, or will ever say,
“I really missed the Ioniser on my last Taycan. Definitely getting it on my next one”
As you say, Voodoo.

Agree with all your deselects!
I would deselect a bit more but then I am a tight wad!
Don’t like the idea of someone getting in my car when I am ‘near’ so no comfort access for me.
Also don’t like ambient lighting.
Like glow sticks in the cup holders!

Just might keep Night Vision as Arjan suggest for safety?
No moose in Ireland but Farmer might have left a gate open in the back country?
Never mind the drunks stumbling home from the pub?

Re. Vomit Comet!
The 1st time I did launch in my 4S my vision distorted, I think my retinas wobbled.
I am not allowed to launch when my wife is in the car.
I am also not allowed to overtake, go 1 mph over the speed limit or drive in a spirited fashion.
Launching in my mates Turbo S gave me instant motion sickness.
I would be quite happy with a 2WD ST.
I am getting a GTS because it currently has the longest waiting list and has most extras in list price and not too expensive. Expect to make a profit ??

 

[Ross]

Interesting.
I keep a car for a long time, if I like it, so I have not concerned myself with resale.
I stuck to a 4S partly because I don’t want car on ceramic or coated brakes

I have the deviated stitching in crayon on Blackberry specced at the moment but not completely sure about it. I really like it on our PHEV Prius but it is standard on that. It probably looks good enough for me to stump up for though. I also think the neodymium accents lifts the Blackberry interior quite a bit, unexpectedly.

Ditto the PDCC which I specced expecting a better ride rather than better handling. Once I had been driven around the old Nurburgring by Keke Rosberg all thoughts of being able to take a car to the limit myself faded somewhat…

I find the cross traffic warning on the Prius brilliant but when I found out how much it costs to get on the Taycan I was outraged - still not sure I can bring myself to be ripped off so comprehensively…

In the 4 years we have had the night vision assist on the Prius it has never flagged a warning so another Toyota freebie I ain’t paying Porsche a fortune for.

I only go on long road trips infrequently and appreciated the adaptive cruise on the Prius for the first time in 4 years on my 500 mile drive home from Aviemore on Thursday. I haven’t selected it on my 4S order (yet).
I was on my own and only had the radio on briefly on the whole journey so may drop the Bose, the 4S standard will probably be adequate for the use it will get.

I went for the massage seats so 14 way ventilated it is.

I hate carbon fibre as cosmetic trim. It is a structural material (The Prius PHEV tailgate inner structure is CF!

Excellent analysis.
Agree with all that but I think the price of stitching makes cross traffic warning seem like a bargain!

My ‘Rosberg’ moment was not at the ‘Ring but a Porsche driving experience at an airfield in 2008 in my pre children GT3 with bucket seats, no rear seats and a roll cage.
I had the absolute joy and pleasure to be instructed by Richard Atwood.
I did a couple of amateur laps. Then he did a couple of laps. There was light years of difference. A enormous unbridgeable divide in abilities.
He was much much much faster and much much much smoother while talking and explaining in such a relaxed and calm manner it was like we were having afternoon tea.
It highlighted my shortcomings and crushed any ideas of my driving ability very very quickly.
Its why I don’t need the performance extras. I will never get ANYWHERE NEAR the limits of a Taycan. Ever.
Unless by accident of course and then it’s too late!

 

[f1eng]

I think the price of stitching makes cross traffic warning seem like a bargain!

Very good point…
It comes with other things I either don’t want or will never use, like comfort entry and parking assist though

 

[Lars]

Interesting.
I keep a car for a long time, if I like it, so I have not concerned myself with resale.
I stuck to a 4S partly because I don’t want car on ceramic or coated brakes

I have the deviated stitching in crayon on Blackberry specced at the moment but not completely sure about it. I really like it on our PHEV Prius but it is standard on that. It probably looks good enough for me to stump up for though. I also think the neodymium accents lifts the Blackberry interior quite a bit, unexpectedly.

Ditto the PDCC which I specced expecting a better ride rather than better handling. Once I had been driven around the old Nurburgring by Keke Rosberg all thoughts of being able to take a car to the limit myself faded somewhat…

I find the cross traffic warning on the Prius brilliant but when I found out how much it costs to get on the Taycan I was outraged - still not sure I can bring myself to be ripped off so comprehensively…

In the 4 years we have had the night vision assist on the Prius it has never flagged a warning so another Toyota freebie I ain’t paying Porsche a fortune for.

I only go on long road trips infrequently and appreciated the adaptive cruise on the Prius for the first time in 4 years on my 500 mile drive home from Aviemore on Thursday. I haven’t selected it on my 4S order (yet).
I was on my own and only had the radio on briefly on the whole journey so may drop the Bose, the 4S standard will probably be adequate for the use it will get.

I went for the massage seats so 14 way ventilated it is.

I hate carbon fibre as cosmetic trim. It is a structural material (The Prius PHEV tailgate inner structure is CF!

Interesting.
I keep a car for a long time, if I like it, so I have not concerned myself with resale.
I stuck to a 4S partly because I don’t want car on ceramic or coated brakes

I have the deviated stitching in crayon on Blackberry specced at the moment but not completely sure about it. I really like it on our PHEV Prius but it is standard on that. It probably looks good enough for me to stump up for though. I also think the neodymium accents lifts the Blackberry interior quite a bit, unexpectedly.

Ditto the PDCC which I specced expecting a better ride rather than better handling. Once I had been driven around the old Nurburgring by Keke Rosberg all thoughts of being able to take a car to the limit myself faded somewhat…

I find the cross traffic warning on the Prius brilliant but when I found out how much it costs to get on the Taycan I was outraged - still not sure I can bring myself to be ripped off so comprehensively…

In the 4 years we have had the night vision assist on the Prius it has never flagged a warning so another Toyota freebie I ain’t paying Porsche a fortune for.

I only go on long road trips infrequently and appreciated the adaptive cruise on the Prius for the first time in 4 years on my 500 mile drive home from Aviemore on Thursday. I haven’t selected it on my 4S order (yet).
I was on my own and only had the radio on briefly on the whole journey so may drop the Bose, the 4S standard will probably be adequate for the use it will get.

I went for the massage seats so 14 way ventilated it is.

I hate carbon fibre as cosmetic trim. It is a structural material (The Prius PHEV tailgate inner structure is CF!

I agree on having an interior you like, actually more so than the exterior. I’ve also spec’d contrast stitching at quite some expense as you all know. Mamba green on Black. I’ll post some pictures once I get it on Tuesday.
Happy Easter !

 

[daveo4EV]

Really great rationale. Here’s my 2020 Taycan Turbo config. http://www.porsche-code.com/PNZEBR27

Basically everything you said but I opted for the Turbo optioned over the Turbo S as a balance of range and performance.

you can skip the PCCB's and save a lot of money - they are 100% un-necessary on this vehicle where by Porsche's own statements 90% of braking is handled by regen, and the car does not have the stamina to run long/enough or hard/enough to actually thermally challenge Porsche's steel brakes - there is no improvement in stopping distance because tire-grip/deceleration stop a vehicle w/ABS - not the brakes…

oh and lack of brake dust? 90% regen also means less/no brake dust. Couple that with the PCSB's which also reduce brake dust - and I think you'll be fine.

having tracked my Taycan (for the 12-15 min it can run at full pace before thermally challenging the battery and losing 60% power) - in a 12-15 min period you use 50% of the battery - and there is no circumstance in which 12-15 min of driving will overwhelm Porsche's excellent steel brakes - so track use is out in terms of a scenario where PCCB's are an advantage - that leaves street driving - and again Porsche's steel brakes are excellent and for any legal (or driving on the street you're doing) again PCCB's are overkill on this vehicle and you will _NEVER_ tap their superpower - which is thermal endurance in high brake use scenarios (track use for 30 min or more)

you can not run the Taycan long enough or hard enough to thermally challenge the steel brakes - you'll run out of battery thermals/power before you remotely challenge the brakes. And once the battery is overheated or out of power, that's a 30 min "rest" which will allow the steel brakes to cool (even with fast charging).

if I had a do-over for my 2020 Turbo, knowing what I know now - PCCB's would not be part of my spec. They are nearly pointless on gas cars - but you can in fact run a 911 long enough and hard enough to experience brake fade with Porsche's excellent steel brakes - and no brake dust. But on a 5,100 lbs sports sedan with less than 20 min of full performance stamina and for normal driving 90% of deceleration is handled by regeneration - ummmmm PCCB's are pointless - other than as a margin/profit center for Porsche. You will never ever under any circumstance in any conditions be able to push this vehicle hard enough to "tax" the brakes before your challenge the battery system - gas cars have more "stamina" and can run longer/harder so yeah maybe for them in some cases PCCB's can actually be used (I know I do on my GT3 at laguna during longer track sessions - 30 min or more - but you can't run a Taycan for 30 min at laguna)…

save the $7000…

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